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Question 1
Correct
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A 47-year-old woman diagnosed with oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer three months ago was started on treatment with tamoxifen. Which of the following is most likely a complaint of this patient during her review today?
Your Answer: Hot flushes
Explanation:The most likely complaint of this patient would be hot flushes.
Alopecia and cataracts are listed as possible side-effects, however they are not as prevalent as hot flushes, which are very common in pre-menopausal women.
Tamoxifen is a Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) which acts as an oestrogen receptor antagonist and partial agonist. It is used in the management of oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Adverse effects:
- Menstrual disturbance: vaginal bleeding, amenorrhoea
- Hot flushes – 3% of patients stop taking tamoxifen due to climacteric side-effects.
- Venous thromboembolism.
- Endometrial cancer (although antagonistic with respects to breast tissue, tamoxifen may serve as an agonist at other sites. Therefore the risk of endometrial cancer is increased). Raloxifene is a pure oestrogen receptor antagonist and carries a lower risk of endometrial cancer.
Tamoxifen is typically used for 5 years following the removal of the tumour.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 2
Incorrect
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Regarding DNA cloning and sequencing, all of the following are true, except:
Your Answer: Bacteriophages, viruses and plasmids are vectors
Correct Answer: Yeast artificial chromosomes ( yacs) are vectors
Explanation:Yeast chromosomes cannot be used as a vector. All the rest are true. Vectors can be bacteria, viruses and plasmids. DNA ligase binds the DNA fragment to the host DNA after insertion. Fluorescence can be used to visualize them.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 3
Incorrect
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A 50-year-old woman under treatment for manic-depressive psychosis presents in an unconscious state after an episode of seizure on the street. Her husband who accompanied her into the ER reported that they argued about 6-7 hours ago. On examination, she is found to be hypertonic with a GCS of 8, BP: 90/60 mmHg and a pulse of 105 bpm. Blood investigations revealed a lithium level of 3.2 mmol/L. She was intubated and ventilated. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate management in this case?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: N saline should be started iv
Explanation:- Normal saline (N saline) should be started IV: Intravenous normal saline is recommended to enhance renal excretion of lithium. Adequate hydration is crucial because lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and maintaining good urine output can help reduce lithium levels.
- Dialysis: This is considered the most effective treatment for severe lithium toxicity, especially when serum levels are significantly elevated (typically >2.5 mmol/L) and the patient presents with severe symptoms such as seizures, altered mental status, or renal impairment. Given the patient’s lithium level of 3.2 mmol/L and her critical condition, dialysis is necessary to rapidly reduce lithium levels.
The other options are less appropriate or ineffective in this context:
- Gastric lavage should be considered: This is not typically recommended for lithium poisoning because lithium is rapidly absorbed and lavage is unlikely to be effective several hours post-ingestion.
- Activated charcoal is likely to be effective: Activated charcoal does not effectively bind lithium and is not recommended for lithium poisoning.
- 5% dextrose should be started IV: While maintaining hydration is important, normal saline is preferred over dextrose solutions in this context to promote renal excretion of lithium.
- Dialysis is not normally required unless levels are above 5 mmol/L: This statement is incorrect. Dialysis is often required at lower levels, particularly in cases of severe toxicity or if the patient is symptomatic, as seen in this case.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 4
Incorrect
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Sympathetic supply to the stomach is derived from
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: T5-T9 spinal segments via the coeliac ganglion
Explanation:Parasympathetic innervation to the stomach is from the vagus nerve and the sympathetic innervation is from the T5-T9 spinal segments via the coeliac ganglion through the greater splanchnic nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 5
Incorrect
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What type of intercellular connection found between cardiac muscle fibers allow for the spread of excitation from one cell to another?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Gap junctions
Explanation:The cardiac muscles have gap junctions in-between the cells. They form low resistance passages, which allow ions to diffuse through every muscle fiber rapidly and result in the cardiac muscles functioning as a syncytium, without any protoplasmic bridges involved.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 6
Incorrect
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During which stage does the mitotic apparatus dissolute?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Telophase
Explanation:In telophase the nuclear envelope along with the nucleolus will reappear. The daughter nuclei will enlarge as the chromosome will decondense again. Along with this, cytokinesis will occur. At the end of cytokinesis the daughter centrioles will move from the poles to the intercellular bridge where they will be disassembled and complete the separation of the daughter cells
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 7
Incorrect
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Which of the following components regulate cardiac output?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation:Cardiac output is regulated by the autonomic nervous system with sympathetic nerves having a positive chronotropic and inotropic effect and parasympathetic nerves having the opposite effect. An increase in preload will increase cardiac output likewise an afterload increase will also increase cardiac output.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 8
Incorrect
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Question 9
Incorrect
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A 35 year old female, known case of anti phospholipid syndrome, arrives at the clinic due to a swollen and painful left leg. Doppler ultrasonography confirms the diagnosis of a deep vein thrombosis. She was previously diagnosed with DVT 4 months back and was on warfarin therapy (target INR 2-3) when it occurred. How should her anticoagulation be managed?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Life-long warfarin, increase target INR to 3 - 4
Explanation:If the INR in the range of 2-3 has still resulted in thrombosis, the target INR is increased to 3-4. However, because the risk of bleeding increases as the INR rises, the INR is closely monitored and adjustments are made as needed to maintain the INR within the target range.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 10
Incorrect
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Question 11
Incorrect
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Which enzyme is responsible for the removal of acetylcholine from the synapse?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Acetylcholinesterase
Explanation:Acetylcholinesterase is the enzyme that is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine into choline and acetate. Both of these molecules are transported back to the presynaptic neuron to be synthesized again. This enzyme is attached to the collagen fibers of the basement membrane in the synaptic cleft.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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A 55-year-old male presents with complaints suggestive of erectile dysfunction. He also provides a history of ischaemic heart disease for which he is under treatment. The GP decides to start him on sildenafil citrate. Which of the following medications may contraindicate the use of sildenafil in this patient?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Nicorandil
Explanation:The use of nitrates and nicorandil concomitantly with sildenafil citrate is contraindicated.Sildenafil (Viagra) is a phosphodiesterase type V inhibitor used in the treatment of impotence.Contraindications- Patients taking nitrates and related drugs such as nicorandil- Hypotension- Recent stroke or myocardial infarction (NICE recommend waiting 6 months)Side-effects:Visual disturbances e.g. cyanopsia, non-arthritic anterior ischaemic NeuropathyNasal congestionFlushingGastrointestinal side-effectsHeadache
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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The outer and inner surfaces of the arachnoid mater is covered with:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Mesothelial cells
Explanation:The arachnoid mater is one of the three meninges that covers the brain and spinal cord. It is interposed between the two other meninges, the more superficial and much thicker dura mater and the deeper pia mater, from which it is separated by the subarachnoid space. The arachnoid mater consists of a subdural mesothelial layer and a compact central layer
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Neurology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Cytochrome p450 enzymes expressed in hepatocytes serve to?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Facilitate oxidations or hydrolysis of drugs.
Explanation:Cytochrome p 450 are a family of proteins involved in drug metabolism which accounts for about 75% of the total metabolism. Most drugs are deactivated directly or by facilitated excretion from the body.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Hepatobiliary
- Medicine
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Question 15
Incorrect
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Under normal conditions (where n represents the number of chromosome pairs), just before mitosis begins, how many chromosomes are contained in the nucleus of each somatic cell:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 4n
Explanation:In a normal somatic cell there are 2n chromosome but in a replicating cell just before mitosis the chromosomes duplicate but are still joined via the centrosome. Thus there are 4n chromosomes. After completion of mitosis the number goes back to 2n.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Which of the following is a characteristic clinical finding of opioid poisoning?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Bradycardia
Explanation:Opioid poisoning is classically associated with pinpoint pupils, reduced respiratory rate, bradycardia, drowsiness and coma. Hypothermia is a feature of barbiturate poisoning, while sweating and lacrimation are seen in cases of opiate withdrawal.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Stimulation of the carotid sinus results in:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Drop in blood pressure
Explanation:Stimulation of the carotid sinus will result in an increase in the baroreceptor discharge. This will travel via the afferent nerves to the medulla. Signals will pass through the vagus nerve to decrease the sympathetic outflow to the heart and the blood vessels. This inhibition will result in vasodilation of the blood vessels, venodilation and bradycardia hence decreasing the total peripheral resistance and lowering the blood pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 18
Incorrect
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Which hormone results in the production of pancreatic juice rich in enzymes but low in volume?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cholecystokinin
Explanation:Cholecystokinin (CCK) mediates digestion in the small intestine by inhibiting gastric emptying and decreasing gastric acid secretion. It stimulates the acinar cells of the pancreas to release a juice rich in pancreatic digestive enzymes, hence the old name pancreozymin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Approximately what percentage of the world is infected with tuberculosis:
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: 25%
Explanation:The WHO report states that about one-quarter of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis. This means approximately 25% of people globally have latent TB infection, which can potentially progress to active TB disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medicine
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Which of the following regulates the calcium release channels?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Calstabin 2
Explanation:Ca2+ is released from the SR through a Ca2+ release channel, a cardiac isoform of the ryanodine receptor (RyR2), which controls intracytoplasmic [Ca2+] and, as in vascular smooth-muscle cells, leads to the local changes in intracellular [Ca2+] called calcium sparks. A number of regulatory proteins, including calstabin 2, inhibit RyR2 and, thereby, the release of Ca2+ from the SR.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Which of the following is the most common clinical feature of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Headache
Explanation:Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:It is considered as the great imitator of other diseases as the patients present with a myriad of symptoms. The carbon monoxide diffuses rapidly across the pulmonary capillary membrane binding to the haem molecule with a very high affinity (240 times that of oxygen) forming carboxy-haemoglobin (COHb). Non-smokers have a baseline COHb of ,3% while smokers have a baseline COHb of 10-15%.Clinical features of carbon monoxide toxicity:Headache: 90% of cases (most common clinical feature)Nausea and vomiting: 50%Vertigo: 50%Confusion: 30%Subjective weakness: 20%Severe toxicity: ‘pink’ skin and mucosa, hyperpyrexia, arrhythmias, extrapyramidal features, coma, deathCherry red skin is a sign of severe toxicity and is usually a post-mortem finding.Management• 100% oxygen• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)The use of Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for treatment mild to moderate CO poisoning is not routine.The selection criteria for HBOT in cases of CO poisoning include:• COHb levels > 20-25%• COHb levels > 20% in pregnant patient • Loss of consciousness• Severe metabolic acidosis (pH <7.1)• Evidence of end-organ ischemia (e.g., ECG changes, chest pain, or altered mental status)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Medicine
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Which of the following would provide relief from nausea and vomiting?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Cannabinoids
Explanation:Ondansetron, chlorpromazine and haloperidol are effective antiemetic agents. Corticosteroids, cannabinoids, and benzodiazepines, alone or in combination with 5-HT3 and D2 antagonists, are also useful in the treatment of vomiting produced by chemotherapy.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 23
Incorrect
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Pancreatic juice is usually?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Alkaline
Explanation:Pancreatic juice is alkaline in nature and has a high amount of bicarbonate ions. About 1500 ml is secreted every day. It also contains a large quantity of enzymes in the inactive form.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Gastrointestinal
- Medicine
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Which statement is correct about the clinical state of methemoglobinemia?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: May arise due to a hereditary deficiency of NADH.
Explanation:Methaemoglobin is a form of haemoglobin that contains ferric [Fe3+] iron and has a decreased ability to bind oxygen. Spontaneously formed methaemoglobin is normally reduced by protective enzyme systems, e.g., NADH methaemoglobin reductase, hence a deficiency of NADH may result in increased levels of methaemoglobin
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Haematology
- Medicine
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Question 25
Incorrect
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A 64 year old female presents with sudden onset pain, swelling and stiffness in her right knee. Her medical history is significant for osteoarthritis affecting her hand joints and diet controlled diabetes mellitus. On examination, the right knee is swollen, erythematous and tender. Which of the following tests would be most useful in the diagnosis of this case?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Aspiration and examination of the synovial fluid
Explanation:Arthrocentesis should usually be done when there is a suspicion of pseudogout or septic arthritis as in this case which leads to an early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Polarized microscopy demonstrates weakly positively birefringent rhomboid crystals which are blue when parallel to light and yellow when perpendicular to light. Elevated serum uric acid levels that cause gout are usually found after large consumption of alcohol or meat, or post surgery. Autoimmune diseases like SLE, RA etc require an autoimmune screen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Connective Tissue
- Medicine
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Which of the following is not true regarding mitochondrial chromosome disorders?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Because mitochondrial chromosomes have no introns in their genes, any point mutation has a low likelihood of having an effect.
Explanation:Any point mutation in any part of the mitochondrial DNA will lead to a mutated mitochondria and will likewise have its ill effect on the body.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Genetics
- Medicine
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Question 27
Incorrect
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Nitric oxide triggers vascular smooth muscle contraction through activation of which enzyme?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Guanylyl cyclase
Explanation:Impaired production or excess catabolism of NO impairs this endothelium-dependent vasodilator function and may contribute to excessive vasoconstriction under various pathological situations.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Which one of these features is typical of dermatomyositis?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Gottron's papules over knuckles of fingers
Explanation:The main symptom of dermatomyositis include skin rash and symmetric proximal muscle weakness (in over 90% of patients) which may be accompanied by pain and tenderness. It occurs more commonly in females. Skin findings include:Gottron’s sign – an erythematous, scaly eruption occurring in symmetric fashion over the MCP and interphalangeal jointsHeliotrope or lilac rash – a violaceous eruption on the upper eyelids and in rare cases on the lower eyelids as well, often with itching and swellingShawl (or V-) sign is a diffuse, flat, erythematous lesion over the back and shoulders or in a V over the posterior neck and back or neck and upper chest, which worsens with UV light. Erythroderma is a flat, erythematous lesion similar to the shawl sign but located in other areas, such as the malar region and the forehead. Periungual telangiectasias and erythema occur.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Dermatology
- Medicine
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Question 29
Incorrect
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What is the function of cytotoxic T cells?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Kill by inserting perforins and by initiating apoptosis
Explanation:Cytotoxic T cells, once activated, approach the infected cell, insert perforins and release granzymes inducing apoptosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Immunology
- Medicine
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Calcium is transported over the brush border in the gut, via which transporter / channel?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: TRPV 6
Explanation:Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 6 or TRPV 6 is a calcium channel located in the cell membrane which is present in a variety of organs, including small intestine, oesophagus, stomach, colon, placenta, kidney, and uterus. In the intestine, it is located in the apical brush-border membrane of the enterocyte, regulating the entry of calcium into the cell.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
